Cedar
Cedar is located 13 miles south of Leland and 13 miles northwest of Traverse City. Lime Lake, Little Traverse Lake and Sugar Loaf area cottage owners frequent Cedar for the conveniences offered.
What’s Best?
The hard working farm community that is always ready to lend a helping hand. Holy Rosary Church in mysterious Isadore. Farms stands and one-of-a-kind products like Leelanau Natural Beef and Plevalean, the heart healthy cherry meat. And Light of Day Organics, Michigan’s only certified biodynamic farm.
Where to Meet locals?
At the annual Polka Festival in July. Enjoying music and playing pool at the Cedar Tavern. At the Manitou Passage golf course or the Old Course near Sugar Loaf.
About the School District
Glen Lake Community Schools is a K-12 school. The district covers 200 square miles of southwestern Leelanau County including the towns of Cedar, Maple City, Glen Arbor and Empire. For more information visit Glen Lake Schools online.
Maple City
Maple City is located 14 miles south of Leland and 16 miles northwest of Traverse City. Maple City serves the Traverse Lake, Lime Lake and Sugar Loaf area communities.
Sugar Loaf is an extremely interesting mountain like hill that is officially recorded as being the highest point in Lower Michigan. Its elevation is a trifle over 800 feet, and it gets its name from the fact that its pinnacle is shaped like a loaf of sugar…so they say. The view from the top is wide and expansive and takes in some of the most beautiful and scenic countryside views of Leelanau County.
Formerly a popular ski and golf resort, Sugar Loaf has been closed for many years and awaits a new owner with foresight and the means to bring it back to life. When that happens, the entire Grand Traverse region will celebrate!
What’s Best?
Its small town character and charm.
Where to Meet Locals?
Playing golf on the Manitou Passage golf course. Enjoying an unforgettable meal at La Becasse, or picking up a pizza at Pegtown Station.
About the School District
Glen Lake Community Schools is a K-12 school. The district covers 200 square miles of southwestern Leelanau County including the towns of Cedar, Maple City, Glen Arbor and Empire. For more information visit Glen Lake Schools online.
Historical Sketch
The inland settlements of Maple City, Cedar, and Lake Leelanau all got their start as lumber towns in the 19th century. Maple City was originally the site of a shoe peg factory where the pegs were made from – you guessed it – maple from the surrounding forests. The town of Cedar was founded by Polish immigrants who the area’s trees to help rebuild Chicago after the devastating fire of 1871 and now celebrate their heritage with an annual Polka Festival. All three towns have a distinct local character and abundance of open land around them.